The presidential election is still a year away, but the Obama administration is already sending a steady stream of officials to North Carolina, a key battleground state.

This week Neal Wolin, deputy secretary of the Department of the Treasury, was in Raleigh to attend the annual North Carolina Affordable Housing Conference.

Wolin stopped by the News & Observer this afternoon to talk about the administration's economic proposals, including its efforts to assist struggling homeowners.

Wolin defended the administration's record in regards to foreclosure prevention and other attempts to quicken the housing market's recovery.

He said the administration's programs for loan modifications and refinancing, the first-time homebuyer tax credits, and efforts to make loan servicers operate more responsibly have made a difference.